Experiences > Things

Everyone who has been in a 9-5 job or anyone who works in one right now can relate to this post. We all know that the moment the salary gets credited at the end of every month, our mind starts making a list of things we need to buy. The instant gratification that comes along with buying some expensive stuff can become an addiction. I have been in that stage before. So, I can clearly remember that this sense of gratification does not last long. As humans we adapt to everything. We buy ‘things’ to keep ourselves happy but that lasts only for a while. New ‘things’ do excite us but then we adapt to it being around, the happiness fades away. But the happiness that comes from experiences never die. Experiences create memories. Memories put a smile on our face whenever they come back to us. We can never get adapted to them.

But we can’t really put all blame on ourselves. Maybe it is the consumer oriented world we are living in, surrounded by the media which enforces the the idea of happiness to be buying the perfect house, driving the fastest car, wearing the trendiest clothes. But they are never gonna tell you that the perfect house will suck your bank balance dry, the fastest car will cry for high maintenance, the trendiest clothes will fade off when the next trend kicks in.

Everybody wishes to get the best worth out of the money they spend, but sadly they don’t understand the meaning of ‘worth’. If you look closely, you will notice that the people who have distanced themselves from the materialistic world are much happier. Your life will suddenly become more exciting when you plan your next trek rather than buying that designer clothes which you don’t need. By spending more of our money on ‘things’ we are simply blocking the much needed positivity and light in our life. After all we, humans are the sum of all our experiences.

Science has said over and over again that money spent on experiences will make you happier in the long run. The experience I am looking for is Travelling, but it may not be the same for all. For some it may be Art, learning a new skill, trying outdoor activities etc. Travel when you are young and free. You may not get a chance when you get old. Travel opens your mind and teaches you in a way nothing else can. By interacting with from various walks of life, experiencing different culture and opening your eyes to a wider world, you will gain the kind of knowledge that you can’t source off Google.

Travelling is a unique experience of its own. The ‘things’ we use are already owned and being used by many others around the world. But when you travel, you are experiencing something that can not be replicated. Something which you can not put a price tag on. You will never regret spending your money on travel. It is the most liberating, unpredictable and worthwhile way to spend your cash.

Go ahead and fill your life up with experiences. Many of them will cost you nothing. Some of them will be reasonably priced, and maybe some will be expensive from a financial standpoint, but will make you rich with rewarding memories and life lessons. Always link these experiences with your passions and purpose if you desire complete satisfaction. You can always spend your money on more ‘things’ with a limited authenticity of happiness or you can invest in purposeful experiences that will contribute to a substantive feeling of joy.

Just think about it – when you near the inevitable end are you gonna think about the ‘things’ you accumulated or the First Solo Trip you took?

I couldn’t agree more with this post. Collecting memories or creating memories is so much more important than collecting material things. My future plans include building a tiny home, so I won’t have much choice but to live frugally. Saying that, I’m almost always on the move now, living out of my backpack, taking my camera and skis and a not whole lot else.

Love this. Experiences are what give us meaning to our lives, not material things or possessions. That new top-label shirt? It will look good for a while but not forever. You won’t reminisce over it like you do with an experience. It won’t create a friendship or bond. Sooner or later it is no longer new and is old and in need of replacement. Memories – you can only add, never replace them. They are with us for a lifetime.

I sold my house three years ago. With the exception of my clothes, shoes, and bags, all of my worldly goods have been in storage. I’ve not seen them since, and I really don’t miss having them around. It’s allowed me to be less weighed down.

We have never fallen into that trap (which is how I see it) of trying to keep up with the latest everything, being pressured by the consumer-driven media that is all around us. We were fortunate to be able to buy a house when London prices were very low, and did the most urgent fixes in the years that followed. But twenty plus years later, we still have the ancient bright turquoise bathroom suite (and walls) because when we have the money to redo it, we usually book a marvellous holiday instead. Who wouldn’t choose to go on safari instead of getting a new bathroom? And you know, over the many many years, that turquoise suite has grown on me! Likewise, we choose to spend more on activities, hobbies, eating out and such rather than designer clothes, the biggest and latest TV and so on. Fully aboard with experiences being the key!

I love this, it is something we have truly started to embody in our family. We are stepping away from wanting “things” as much because we have begun to have to soul enriching experiences. The best ones are usually the unplanned or a simple interaction with locals, it changes how you feel, and that is something you will keep with you forever. An incredible feeling will never go out of style 🙂

You have written this article beautifully to which I can relate. I am into photography as a hobby and I was then guilty of wanting more accessories or upgrading gadgets like what most of my other photography enthusiast friends are doing. However, I realized that material things will never make me feel contented. Now, instead of saving up for more gadgets, I save up for travels. In the end, I may have spent some money traveling but the experience and life lessons it gives are priceless.

Since then our parents educated us to don’t attach too much on material things and good things I brought it with me until now. I would instead spend my hard earned money to make beautiful experience of travelling and exploring the mountains, the sea and the nature’s beauty.

I’ve sold or donated a lot of things over the last two years. But I’m somewhere in between as there are some “things” that are sentimental or a reminder of how hard I worked to get that thing. I think a middle ground between spending on things you want and experiences is a healthy place to be.

I agree with this great post. Everything in its proper perspective. Traveling solo or with family & friends can be so rewarding. You will cherish those memories for a lifetime, not so much the ugly couch.

Couldn’t agree more with you! Like you, I also had my spending moment in life, but I found out that traveling give us so much more. I like beautiful things as much as the next, but today I give more value to new experiences, to get to know the world, meet different cultures and find the most beautiful waves in the world. 😉

I couldn’t agree more of this. You are definitely right on spending money on experiences. What’s convenient in spending it towards experience is that we will be forever be bringing the memories in our hearts and minds and no one can take it away from us.

Well written and great points. Traveling and making experiences is so much more important than buying material things. The happiness from buying something new never compares to the memories I make while traveling

great article and could not agree more with you. I put a borrowed quote on our site stating just that, travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer! Experiences are what we cherish the most throughout life, you can’t break them, replace them or throw them away! They are always with you!

I think you said what so many people feel. You are able to put into words our feelings. Travel (and getting away from TV, computers and work) as you said is one of the most liberating things you will do in your lifetime! Great post!

That’s funny – this is the second post I read today about choosing experiences over things (must be a sign). I can totally relate as I’m in the process of selling everything to experience life in a different way (mainly by traveling). None of my material possessions have brought me more joy and inspiration than my travels. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts!

I so very much agree with the post.I had a decent paying job but got fired coz of traveling too much during leaves.I took it in my stride and traveled more and started my travel blog and so far the year has been good to me.I was able to travel to so many new place and experience different things.

I totally agree with you! Experience is better than materials. Unfortunately many don’t understand. I try to talk to my friends and family about it, many don’t agree. But hey, I’m fine with going solo, so it’s not a big deal.

Absolutely agree. I hate that we live in an area where consumerism rules. I really hope it changes and people will start to realise what truly matters. I’m glad that I am obsessed with travelling too, not fancy clothes 🙂

I totally agree! When I was a teenager, I was obsessed with clothes and makeup just like any other girl. Now, on the contrary, I would only spend my money on travels and experiences, as you said. Great and inspiring post!

Totally relate to this. I used to be a lot more materialistic before I really started traveling. Now since I’m back from my last long solo trip, I haven’t gone shopping, I don’t buy that much make-up anymore…and I was shocked by the amount of things that I own and that are just sitting around at home. I’m now in the process of not becoming a minimalist – but throwing out all the unnecessary crap that I’ve collected over the past years to make more space for new experiences 🙂

We all have to find out for ourselves what gives us happiness and the definition of happiness is so different for different people. Those of us, who consider travel as the source of inner joy and fulfilment, are blessed, because we have truly discovered that experiences are far more enriching than material things.